Customs Update - Asbestos found in imported stone tiles:
12-Jul-2010
Asbestos risk in imported stone tiles
In late 2009, a home renovator in New South Wales noticed
the decorative tiles he was using created an unusual dust
when cut. The renovator contacted WorkCover NSW, who
determined the tiles were made from tremolite, a mineral that
can release asbestos particles when cut or crushed.
Tremolite, often described as “snow white”, is a pure white stone
and one of six minerals that can create asbestos particles.
Asbestos particles are extremely thin and fibrous crystals that
can lodge in the lungs. When inhaled in sufficient quantities,
asbestos particles can cause serious illnesses including
mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer infecting the protective
lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs.
These particular tiles were manufactured from tremolite stone mined
in China. Based on the tests conducted so far, Customs & Border
Protection believes at least five Chinese companies have supplied
tremolite tiles to Australian importers. The tests also confirmed at least
some of the tiles contain pockets of microscopic tremolite fibres.
Customs and Border Protection are still determining whether the
fibres meet the technical definition of asbestos and if they are
prohibited imports under the Prohibited Imports Regulations. In
the meantime, we are taking a safety first approach to protect the
Australian community from this potentially serious health hazard.
Compliance Assurance is targeting imports of stone products from
China (into any port) and calling for commercial documents. When
appropriate, we are ordering physical examinations to ensure any
tremolite tiles are identified before being released into the community.
To assist us in these efforts, cargo industry members can:
• ensure the “goods descriptions” on cargo reports and import
declarations completely and accurately describe any stone
products imported from China;
• classify such goods correctly;
• respond promptly and supportively to Customs and Border
Protection enquiries about specific consignments;
• ensure clients importing stone tiles or similar products from China
are aware of this serious health issue;
• alert Customs & Border Protection if any suspect goods pass
through the import cargo chain; and
• ensure cargo handlers are protected from dust generated from
broken or disturbed tremolite tiles.
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